Disaster Recovery Alliance lends a hand to those left behind

Monday

Jul 10, 2017 at 2:54 PMJul 10, 2017 at 3:06 PM

By Todd Wetherington, Sun Journal Staff

Hurricane Matthew left a wide swath of destruction when it moved through eastern North Carolina in October 2016. Though many of those affected by the storm have received some form of recovery assistance, a number of citizens who suffered home and property damage have yet to find a helping hand.

One local organization has set out to change that. Craven County Disaster Recovery Alliance (CCDRA) is a collaboration of 26 organizations, ranging from local nonprofits and churches to the United Way, that are working to meet the needs of families impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

According to CCDRA organizer John Robinson, Jr, a number of homeowners who applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the hurricane did not qualify for loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“If it's clear that you don't meet the financial standards necessary to repay an SBA loan then they just kick you out and send you back to FEMA; you failed the income test,” said Robinson. “Out of the 624 individuals that registered in Craven County and went through the SBA process, 90 of them failed the income test. In addition, 245 were referred back to FEMA for housing assistance. From past experience, we predict about 60 percent of those are going to need case management and some kind of support.”

Robinson said CCDRA, which organized in December, is currently receiving most of its funding from First Presbyterian Church, while the United Way acts as the alliance’s fiscal agent.

“We’re applying for some funds with denominations and foundations to have a little kitty to be able to do things with,” explained Robinson. “Anyone who wants to give can send donations to the United Way marked for CCDRA and they will keep track of it.”

Robinson said CCDRA can offer help in a number of areas, from construction work to repairing homes to finding used or donated furniture. He said those seeking assistance should call CCDRA (phone number included at bottom of article) to begin the process.

“They call our number and then they’ll get a call back from one of our caseworkers and they will meet with you to sit down and go over what happened to you during the storm and what your needs are,’ said Robinson. “Then that caseworker will work with you on establishing the shortfall between your resources and what you need done. Then CCDRA will work to put those resources together.”

The damage caused by Hurricane Matthew was far more widespread, and lasting, than many people realize, said Robinson.

“The problem was the state of North Carolina has never dealt with a disaster that was, as I say, 250 miles long and an inch deep. The damage was spread across 45 counties, so you got serious damage to a smaller population in a part of the state that is economically depleted. The challenge has been to pull together those resources and those committed people and organizations that can respond to this situation.”

Despite the number of people CCDRA believe could benefit from recovery assistance, Robinson said few homeowners have contacted the alliance for help.

“What concerns me is that we haven’t heard from those people. Part of that’s our fault, for not putting out fliers or more information. Part of that’s the media’s fault, because people have been much more interested in success stories than saying there’s still needs out there.

“We know there was damage in Cove City and we know there was damage right here in Duffyfield in New Bern. We haven’t heard anything from anyone over there about what the needs are.”

Robinson said the effects from large storms are often not seen for months.

“One of my nightmares is, with so few people coming forward, there’s hidden damage that we’re not seeing yet, like mold,” he explained. “Or people have simply assumed that the help they’ve gotten is all they’re going to get. So the first time they try to sell their house or mobile home, the building inspector comes out and condemns the property. That’s unfair to the person who’s been through this flood.”

Robinson predicted it would take several years for CCDRA to work through their caseload.

“We expect to help probably about 50 families with significant damage and another 26 with moderate damage. We’re doing a good conservation of resources but we’re going to need even more resources.”

With hurricane season just around the corner, Robinson said it was imperative that those seeking assistance do so quickly.

“The problem is if people don't deal with these issues now, if we get another hurricane it compounds the problem, because the same areas would be affected,” he noted.

Robinson stressed that CCDRA is not a charity, and those who seek its help often do so reluctantly.

“I’ve heard people say this and it’s kind of sad, they say ‘You’re just dealing now with people who always have their hand out.’ Well, in a disaster that’s not true...One of the things that people need to understand is the support they receive from FEMA or the assistance they get from CCDRA is not charity, it’s an investment of the community in their recovery, which will result in the overall recovery of the community and the overall health of the community.”

Anyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Matthew and still has needs can call CCDRA at 252-649-0098.

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